Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies

Transcription

1 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies CHAPTER 4: NATURAL RESOURCES BACKGROUND STUDIES Determining which environmental characteristics that should be preserved is an important step in the development of a comprehensive plan. As both the City of Monongahela and the Borough of New Eagle are predominantly built-out, it is essential identify the natural resources and develop recommendations for their protection and conservation. In addition, the developmental limitations that exist because of the presence of natural features (i.e., streams, floodplains, etc.) or anthropogenic sources (i.e., point source pollution, non-point source pollution, etc.) are essential in the planning for future smart growth of this area. CLIMATE Climate is important to land use planning in that it can affect land development methods and uses. Climate is usually defined as the average weather over a period of years, which is typically a 30 year time period (World Meteorological Organization, 2006). The mean temperature for the project area is 53 degrees Fahrenheit ( F) with a maximum mean monthly temperature of 73.8 F in July and a mean monthly low of 30.4 F in January. Precipitation averages about inches per year and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. July is the wettest month with an average of 3.87 inches per year and February is the driest month with 2.17inches per year. Snowfall averages 14.5 inches per year with most of it falling between December and March. Page 4-1

2 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan GEOLOGY Pennsylvania is divided into numerous physiographic provinces. A province is defined as a region in which all parts are similar in geologic structure, climate, relief, and have a unified geomorphic history. The City of Monongahela and the Borough of New Eagle (referred to as the Project Area ) are located in the Waynesburg Hills Section of the Appalachian Plateaus Province. The bedrock is mainly limestone and shale. Limestone and shale present problems and hazards; earth flows, debris flows, slumps, and rockslides. Table 4-1: Project Area Bedrock Geology shows province and geological periods located in the Project Area. Table 4-1: Project Area Bedrock Geology Period Formation/Group Description General Location Permian and Pennsylvanian Waynesburg Cyclic sequences of sandstone, shale, limestone, and coal; commerical coals present; base is at bottom of Waynesburg coal. Northern portions of New Eagle Borough and Western portions of the City of Monongahela Pennsylvanian Monongahela Casselman Cyclic sequences of limestone, shale, sandstone, and coal; commerical coals present; base is at bottom of Pittsburgh coal. Located throughout New Eagle Borough and the City of Monongahela Cyclic sequences of shale, Located along the siltstone, sandstone, red beds, Monongahela River in thick impure limestone, and thin New Eagle Borough nonpersistent coal; base is at top and the City of of Ames limestone Monongahela Page 4-2

3 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies LAND & WATER RESOURCES Topography Slope information identifies areas that are not suitable for specific development depending on the percent of slope. Steep slope development can impact watercourses by increasing stormwater runoff and sedimentation. Slopes greater than 25 percent are located throughout the study area. Map 4.1: Natural Resources illustrates the location of slopes greater than 25 percent. Most of the locations with slope greater than 25 percent are located along Pigeon Creek and Dry Run in Monongahela and Mingo Run in New Eagle Borough. Other areas with slope greater than 25 percent are located along the New Eagle/Monongahela border and the eastern portion of the City of Monongahela. Soils General Land use is affected by the strength and stability, drainability, erodibility and agricultural and resource potential of existing soils (Randolph, 2004). The Washington County Soil Survey identifies two different soil associations within the project area. A description and the location of these soil associations within the project area can be found in Table 4-2: Project Area Soils. Table 4-2: Project Area Soils Soil Association Description General Location Dormont-Culleoka Moderately well drained and well drained, deep and moderately deep, gently sloping to very steep Most abundant soil slopes; on hilltops, ridges, association in the benches, and hillsides Project Area Dormont-Culleoka- Newark Well drained to somewhat poorly drained, deep and moderately deep, nearly level to very steep slopes; on hilltops, ridges, benches, hillsides, and floodplains Located along Pigeon Creek in the Project Area Page 4-3

4 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan Hydric As defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Services, the definition of a hydric soil is a soil that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (USDA, 2004). Hydric soils are important to identify because they indicate where potential wetlands may be located. Hydric soils have severe surface and subsurface draining problems, resulting in significant development limitations, including restricting the placement of septic systems. There is one true hydric soil in Washington County- Purdy Silt Loam, which is not found in the Project Area. However, 21 other soils in the Project Area could support wetlands if the proper hydrology exists. Watersheds Topography delineates drainage basins called watersheds. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a watershed as the area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater (USEPA, 2004). Every river, stream, and tributary has an individual watershed. Larger watersheds are often subdivided into smaller ones. The entire Project Area is within the Ohio River watershed, which has a drainage area of 23,487 square miles in Pennsylvania (United States Department of the Interior, Geologic Survey). The Ohio River watershed is divided into five major sub-basins. The eastern and southern portion of Washington County is located in the Monongahela River sub-basin, which drains 7,386 square miles. In addition, the Monongahela sub-basin is divided even further. The City of Monongahela is located in the Monongahela, Pigeon Creek, and Huston Run watersheds and New Eagle Borough is located in the Monongahela and Huston Run watersheds. Map 4.1: Natural Resources shows the boundaries of the sub-watersheds in the Project Area. Page 4-4

5 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies Rivers, Streams, and Tributaries Table 4-3: Project Area of Rivers, Streams, and Tributaries lists the general characteristics of each waterway in the Project Area and are shown on Map 4.1: Natural Resources. Table 4-3: Project Area Rivers, Streams, and Tributaries Stream Name Municipality DEP Classification Monongahela River City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough WWF, N Mingo Creek New Eagle Borough HQ-TSF, TSF Pigeon Creek City of Monongahela WWF Dry Run City of Monongahela WWF * as designated by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards; Notes: WWF= Warm Water Fishery: TSF= Trout Stocked Fishery; N- Navigation; HQ= High Quality Waters Monongahela River The Monongahela River has a total drainage area of 7.3 square miles and originates at the confluence of the West Fork River and the Tygart Valley River in Fairmount, West Virginia. At Pittsburgh it meets the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) has classified this river as a Warm Water Fishery (WWF). It is also protected under the Navigation (N) use, meaning that this type of stream is used for the commercial transfer and transport of persons and goods. Monongahela River Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states, territories, and authorized tribes are required to develop lists of impaired waters (US EPA, 2004). Section 303(d) requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these waters. A TMDL specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards, and allocates pollutant loadings amount point and nonpoint sources. The Monongahela River has TMDLs for two pollutants Chlordane and PCBs (PADEP, 2006). Chlordane was used from 1948 until 1988 in the United States as a pesticide; it Page 4-5

6 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan bioaccumulates and is a persistent chemical. PCBs are manmade chemicals found in plastics to make it difficult to burn and enter the environment in air, water, and soil during the manufacturing process. Monongahela River Conservation Plan The Monongahela River Conservation Plan (RCP) was completed in This plan addresses the stretch of river from the Mason-Dixon Line to where the river confluences with the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River. Management objectives were provided in the plan to assist in the future planning of the watershed. The following objectives were incorporated into the RCP and are incorporated into this comprehensive plan: 1. Develop a watershed database to coordinate conservation activities among governmental agencies, private organizations, and the general public. 2. Establish a relationship with the Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative. 3. Implement a volunteer trash removal or land stewardship program to clean and preserve the river corridor. 4. Coordinate with PADEP s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation to identify problem area abandoned mine sites within the study corridor for reclamation and funding prioritization. 5. Investigate the potential for utilizing abandoned tipples and other structures as public fishing piers. 6. Develop fishing access at public parks. 7. Encourage citizen monitoring and reporting of industrial and residential effluent violations. 8. Encourage the preservation of the ecological and visual quality of the river corridor by planting a vegetative barrier along the river s edge where feasible. 9. Identify or create a regional land trust to preserve and protect sensitive ecological habitats or historical properties. 10. Coordinate with local officials and private industry to enforce stormwater management regulations and erosion control methods. 11. Enforce deficient municipalities to establish compliance with existing sewage treatment regulations by preparing and updating formal Act 537 sewage facilities plans and Page 4-6

7 Mingo Creek Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies prioritizing construction of sewage treatment facilities and/or sewage line extensions in unserviced areas. Mingo Creek originates in Nottingham Township, Washington County and flows east where it empties in the Monongahela River in New Eagle Borough. Mingo Creek has been classified by the PA DEP as a warm water fishery (WWF). Mingo Creek is also officially classified as an approved trout water meaning that it contains significant portions that are open to public fishing and are stocked with trout (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, 2006). The PA DEP has also classified Mingo Creek a High Quality Stream from the source to Froman Run, which is located in Union Township. A high quality stream is defined as surface waters having quality which exceeds levels necessary to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2006). Pigeon Creek Pigeon Creek originates in Somerset Township, Washington County and flows northeast for approximately 15 miles where it empties into the Monongahela River near the City of Monongahela. The PA DEP has classified this stream as a WWF. No TMDLs have been established for Pigeon Creek. A watershed association was formed for Pigeon Creek, Pike Run, and Maple Creek in Although no formal watershed assessment plans have been completed, numerous studies addressing the abandoned mine drainage (AMD) discharges in the Pike Run headwaters have been conducted. Dry Run Dry Run originates in Nottingham Township, Washington County and flows east where it empties in the Monongahela River in the City of Monongahela. Dry Run has been classified by the PA DEP as a WWF. Page 4-7

8 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan Ponds/Lakes Ponds and lakes provide wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits, as well as providing aesthetic value to a community. Lakes and ponds can be designed to mange urban runoff by retaining stormwater. There are no ponds or lakes in the Project Area. Wetlands Wetlands are defined as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2006). The Monongahela River serves as the only identified wetland listed in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) located within the Project Area (see Map 4.1: Natural Resources). Floodplains A floodplain is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as the flat or nearly flat land along a river or stream or in a tidal area that is covered by water during a flood. Statistically flooding is expected to occur on an average of 1.5 years. Large, damaging floods occur once every 100 years, and truly devastating floods occur once ever 500 years. Under natural conditions flooding is controlled by the landscape and weather, however human activities have been increasing the frequency of flooding. Concrete highways, parking lots, and roofs with impervious surfaces that do not allow filtration are developed over areas that used to be forests, meadows and wetlands with soils that soaked up much of the rainfall. As illustrated on Map 4.1: Natural Resources, the following areas are classified as 100-year floodplains: Monongahela River the land between the river and the railroad for the entire length of the Project Area. Most of this land is already developed with heavy industrial uses. Pigeon Creek the land between the railroad and SR 481. This area is mostly open space, with residential and light industrial uses surrounding. Mingo Creek the land along the creek from SR 88 to the Monongahela River. This area is undeveloped open space, predominantly because it is also located in the Riverview Floodplain Biological Diversity Area (BDA). Development Page 4-8

9 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies within this area is highly regulated by state agencies due to the presence of a plant of special concern. Dry Run a small floodplain area is found along Dry Run and SR 136 / Bluff Road near SR 88 / SR 837. This area receives runoff from the hillside as steep slopes lie adjacent to Dry Run. The area around the creek is open space, with residences found on the top of the hillside. In addition to the flood hazard data provided by FEMA, the National Weather Service (NWS) operates river forecast points at several locations along the River. River stage information is available through recorded messages, the NWS Internet site ( and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) also maintains copies of FEMA studies and related flood hazard investigations. This information as well as other flood hazard assistance is available through the ACOE, Pittsburgh District Office. Page 4-9

10 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Littering / Illegal Dumping Littering has significant environmental, economical, and aesthetic impacts to an area. Both the aquatic and terrestrial environment are affected by both physical and chemical littering. Water pollution results from the improper or illegal disposal of chemicals. Littering impacts a community economically by increasing the cost to the taxpayer. Cleaning up litter is approximately nine times more expensive than collecting trash from trash receptacles (PA DEP, 2004). Trash could also potentially reduce property value in a community. The presence of litter has a negative impact on the aesthetic value of a community and can reduce the quality of life for some individuals. Littering was found in various locations in the Project Area. One prominent area along Bluff Street that is visible from SR 136 should be eliminated due to the redevelopment project that demolished the homes and closed Bluff Street. There are a few locations of illegal dumping that have been identified within the Project Area. PA DEP posted a No Dumping sign along SR 481 in Monongahela. Illegal dump sites and littering can be reported to local enforcement agencies (local or state police) and to PA Cleanways at ( umpsurvey.html). Hazardous Waste Sites Sign on SR 481 Three inactive landfill sites are located within the project area. Table 4-4: Abandoned Landfills in the Project Area identifies the name, location and municipality of each site. These sites are shown on Map 4.2: Subsurface Resources. The abandoned landfill in New Eagle Borough on Marion Street was closed in 1965 and filled with fly ash. In the 1970 s, the mobile home park Crestview Estates was constructed on top of this area. At the time of preparing this comprehensive plan, concerns exist regarding the eroding hillside and potential threat this poses to the 54 homes in the park. Page 4-10

11 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies Table 4-4: Abandoned Landfills in Project Area Status Municipality Facility Location Inactive City of Monongahela Monongahela Landfill Van Voorhis Lane Inactive New Eagle Borough Inactive New Eagle Borough Source: Pennsylvania DEP 2006 Water Quality Grief Bros Cooperage Corp Coulters Landfill South Union Street Marion Street Water Quality is the biological, chemical, and physical conditions of a waterbody. It is a measure of a waterbody s ability to support beneficial uses (Environmental Protection Agency, 2006). Human activities can dramatically affect water quality in two forms- point source and non-point source. Point Source Pollution Point source pollution can be directly traced to their source. Point source pollutants include industrial discharges, municipal discharges, stormwater discharges, combined sewer overflow discharge, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). All point source discharges require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, established by Section 402 of the 1972 Clean Water Act. According to the EPA s Envirofacts Internet website, 12 facilities have been issued NPDES permits in the Project Area and surrounding region: Danner Doak SRSTP 115 Ridge Road David and Laura Benning 13 Shannon Road Flexsys Monongahela Plant 829 Route 481 Monongahela Auto Wreckers Mon River Sewer Route 136 Monongahela City Sewage System 12 th and Railroad Street Monongahela Iron and Metal East Main Street Riverside Iron and Steel Sarah and Railroad Streets Sheets East Main Street Sheets 92 R 521 West Main Street Sheets Inc / Former Sheets # East Main Street William J. Debevec 4418 Rostosky Ridge Road Page 4-11

12 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan Of these 12, all have received non-major NPDES permits, with the exception of the Monongahela City Sewage System, which has a major NPDES permit. Non-Point Source Pollution Non-source pollutants come from agricultural and urban sources, mining runoff, and silvicultural runoff (Randolph, 2004). Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) sets a ceiling on the pollutant loads that can enter a waterbody so that the water will meet water quality standards (PA DEP, 2006). A TMDL plan includes waste load allocations for point sources, load allocations for nonpoint sources and a margin of safety. The Monongahela River has a TMDL plan for PCB and chlordane which has been found in fish tissue. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects three stream water uses: aquatic life, human health, and recreation. If a stream segment is not attaining any three uses, it is considered impaired. According to the 2006 Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report complied by the PA DEP Pigeon Creek and the Monongahela River are considered impaired for aquatic life use attainment. Pigeon Creek is impaired due to acid mind drainage, road runoff, small residential development, silitation and metals. The Monongahela River is impaired due to abandoned mine drainage (AMD), metals, and ph. Page 4-12

13 Ecological Habitats/Environmental Sensitive Areas Chapter 4 Natural Resources Background Studies The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy completed the Washington County National Heritage Inventory (NHI) in 2000, which is a database designed to catalogue various elements of the natural environment, such as plant, animal, and mineral resources. The NHI identifies and maps lands that support native species biodiversity; endangered species and their habitats; exceptional or unique plants and animals; areas important for wildlife habitat, open space, education, scientific study, and recreation; areas undisturbed by human activity; and, potential habitats for species of special concern. The data gathered in the NHI provides information that can be used to base decisions related to development and preservation. (WPC, 1994). The classification of a Natural Heritage Area is based upon the ecological value of that particular site and the particular attributes of identified resources. The Washington County NHI categorizes five classifications of Natural Heritage Areas and suggested development restraints: Natural Areas (NA), Biological Diversity Area (BDA), Dedicated Area (DA), and Other Heritage Areas (OHA). The only site identified in the Project Area as a Natural Heritage Area is the Riverview Floodplain BDA. Riverview Floodplain BDA The Riverview Valley Floodplain BDA is located Map 4.1: Natural Resources and is recognized as a community / ecosystem conservation area and a special species habitat. The Riverview Floodplain BDA has high significance because it is one of the very few remnant patches of floodplain forest along the Monongahela River. Recommendations for the management of the BDA include limiting cutting and clearing to the areas immediately adjacent to the pavilion and walkway, reducing the width and extent of the trails criss-crossing the floodplain; removing as much Japanese knotweed as possible without broad application of herbicide; and generally, encouraging regeneration of the forest on any available adjacent lands. Page 4-13

14 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan SUBSURFACE RESOURCES Coal The Project Area is located within the Main Bituminous Coal Field of Pennsylvania (DCNR, 2004). Extensive areas of operating surface and deep mines, old stripping areas, and reclaimed areas are dispersed throughout the landscape. Coal that is or has been mined within Washington County is primarily high volatile bituminous coal. Reserves from the Upper Freeport Coal Seam and the Pittsburgh Coal Seam exist within the Project Area. Refer to Map 4.2: Subsurface Resources for areas within the Project Area that have been previously undermined and coal reserves still exist. While Consolidated Coal Company owns a significant portion of the coal rights in the Project Area, there are no plans for mining at this time. Murray Energy owns the abandoned Maple Creek Mine Tipple in New Eagle (along SR 88 / 837 between Vine and Memorial Streets), along with much of the land in the Riverview Floodplain BDA. Oil/Gas Wells According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Project Area is located in the shallow gas fields of Pennsylvania. To drill a gas well in Pennsylvania the driller must obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Oil and Gas Management. To qualify for the permit, the well must be planned in an environmentally responsible manner, to protect environmentally sensitive areas such as streams and wetlands. Also, the distance from other wells and the placement of access roads are taken in consideration during the permit process (Oil and Gas in Pennsylvania, DCNR). Oil/Gas Wells and Oil/Gas fields are identified on Map 4.2: Subsurface Resources. There are four active wells and two abandoned wells in the Project Area. Oil/Gas Fields are found along the Monongahela River between Pigeon Creek and Mingo Creek, while there are only four Oil/Gas Wells identified in the Project Area. Page 4-14

15 Chapter 4 Natural Resources Recommendations CHAPTER 4: NATURAL RESOURCES RECOMMENDATIONS The topography and natural resources found in the City of Monongahela and the Borough of New Eagle have long dictated the settlement and development patterns of the area. Open space can be found in the Project Area along steep slopes and floodplains, while heavy industry dominates the riverfront. Main Street is the commercial corridor in both communities, which also acts as a buffer between the heavy industry and the residential areas. Over the years, the natural resources in the area have been impacted due to mining activity and residential development. There have been numerous projects undertaken in both communities to address these impacts, such as Stormwater management plans in both the City and the Borough and the hillside stabilization project along SR 481 directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In planning for the future of Monongahela and New Eagle, the natural resources and environment must continue to play an integral role in directing development efforts to suitable areas and minimizing the environmental impacts. The planning process identified issues and concerns regarding the natural resources and the environment in Monongahela and New Eagle. The following recommendations have been developed to address these issues. GOAL: Protect natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas from development infringement Issue: Residents want to preserve open space and protect wildlife habitats, floodplains, and natural resources. Recommendation: Investigate opportunities to acquire lands for public use, greenways, and open space. Priority areas should be the Riverview Floodplain BDA in New Eagle and the Sudan Corridor in Monongahela. If possible, New Eagle Borough should look to acquire the lands and maintain as open space, so as to not harm species of special concern which are located there. The Borough should work with local community organizations and students to maintain the site and possibly implement interpretive sites, such as signs, trails, benches, etc., along with removing December 2007 Page 4-15

16 City of Monongahela and New Eagle Borough Joint Comprehensive Plan as much Japanese knotweed as possible without broad application of herbicide and encouraging regeneration of the forest on any available adjacent lands. For recommendations concerning the Sudan Corridor, see page 6-34 of Chapter 6. Issue: The physical integrity of locations within the Riverview Neighborhood in New Eagle is questionable due to prior development policies. Recommendation: Identify specific locations where potential erosion and/or landslides are occurring. Recommendation: Partner with the Redevelopment Authority and PA DEP to remediate these concerns. Recommendation: Discourage future development in these locations. Issue: Environmental concerns are associated with agricultural runoff and mine drainage from Carroll Township that is negatively affecting the Project Area. Recommendation: Coordinate with the Washington County Conservation District and local watershed organizations to implement best management practices and construct passive treatment facilities to address the mine drainage. GOAL: Eliminate illegal dumping and littering Issue: Trash and littering contributes to an aesthetically displeasing environment. Recommendation: Establish Community Clean-Up Days. Recommendation: Require Street Departments to identify additional areas of concern. Recommendation: Coordinate with refuse haulers to publicize and promote bulk item pick-up days / locations. Recommendation: Establish a hard to recycle event. Recommendation: Add additional trash receptacles along Main Street, at all parks and recreation areas, and at all public spaces. Recommendation: Post no littering signs along major thoroughfares. Page 4-16 Draft Plan for Public Review